Using Baseball Idioms to Describe Ability
There are various idioms in baseball which reference a person's ability to complete certain tasks. This also encompasses their willingness to take on projects which might otherwise fail. They can also describe an individual's willingness to accept responsibility for their own failures.
On the ball; to be on the ball
What is it?
In baseball to be "on the ball" describes a fielder who is able to catch or recover a difficult hit. In business to be "on the ball" describes an individual who expresses qualities such as competence, skill, knowledge and attentiveness which are necessary for success.
Example: Ken is close to finishing a contract for his client whose business is about to be bought by the other party to the contract. Before the documents are to be signed Ken notices a significant discrepancy in the contract which would have cost his client millions of dollars. After correcting the error, Ken's managing partner tells him, "Good job catching that discrepancy. Way to be on the ball."
Step up to the plate
What is it?
In baseball "stepping up to the plate" refers to the batter approaching home plate in preparation of hitting the ball thrown by the pitcher.
Example: Sydnie is scheduled for a deposition for a large litigation matter. All of a sudden Sydnie falls ill at the last minute and is unable to attend the deposition. Cassandra, who is familiar with the case, decides to stand in for Sydnie at the deposition. The deposition ends up going so well that the matter is settled before it has to go to trial. In this situation Cassandra has stepped up to the plate in a time where it was critical to the success of the the firm's goals.
To drop the ball
What is it?
"To drop the ball" is an ambiguous term used in on sports which use a ball. In baseball "dropping the ball" refers to a fielder who tries and fails to catch or stop a ball that has been hit. With business "dropping the ball" refers to an individual or group who fails to complete a critical task.
Example: Joseph assigns a task to his paralegal, Nate, which needs to be completed before the deadline which is approaching soon. Nate becomes distracted by other matters and fails to complete the task by the deadline. Joseph tells Nate, "You really dropped the ball on this one."